Time is one of the most precious commodities that we have especially with our children.
We can't afford to miss any precious moments with them.
They are young only once! Three of my children are at the oh-so memorable preschool age of 5 and 3.
Probably like you I really enjoy my children at this stage but until recently I wasn't really spending "quality" time with them.
A couple of our past times on Saturday would include watching t.
v.
and park visits.
Let me tell you about my family's tv time.
We sit in front of the television watching programs on stations like "Nickelodeon".
As most of you already know this is 24 hours of non-stop "kid-t.
v.
" We would sit there for at least an hour at a time.
During this time there is no conversation going on.
We are just starring at the t.
v.
Occasionally I would take a break, normally getting up and doing some chores and my kids will still be sitting there watching cartoons in order for me to complete my tasks without being constantly interrupted.
Does this sound familiar? Our park visits looked a little something like this: We usually make a playdate with another mom, seldom going to the park by ourselves because that would be sooo boring, right? While I am sitting on a bench talking to another mom my little kids are running around playing with the other mom's kids.
Who is this "quality time" being spent with, my kids or the other mom? Very obvious.
After taking a good look at my life and not wanting to miss anymore precious time with my kids I began to figure out some neat things to do with them in order to give them the time they deserve.
Now our t.
v time consists of me not only watching t.
v.
with them but interacting with them while watching learning shows like "Dora the Explorer".
I will ask them questions concerning what's going on to see if they are learning anything.
Sometimes I will look at their facial expressions when they see something that may be new to them and I will ask them questions about it to see what they are thinking and feeling.
I also don't allow them to sit too long watching t.
v.
any longer.
They are actually helping with chores such as doing laundry and dish washing.
This has been working pretty good because it teaches them how to run a home and it helps me get work done a little quicker.
You would be surprise what preschoolers can do if you teach them! Park visits are less about play dates with other kids and more about interacting personally with them.
I will take them alone most of the time and join in the fun, swinging and laughing like I was a kid all over again! I must say that I am really enjoying our time together.
One thing I do want to mention is the task of making money AND spending time with the kids.
This can really be discouraging.
So what I did is found a way to make an honest income at home.